# Positive Grid Spark 2 vs Blackstar HT-1R MkIII: specs and price compared

A sourced, side-by-side comparison of the Positive Grid Spark 2 (Positive Grid) and Blackstar HT-1R MkIII (Blackstar) among guitar amplifiers. Positive Grid Spark 2 is the cheaper of the two at $349.

## Side by side

| Spec | Positive Grid Spark 2 | Blackstar HT-1R MkIII |
| --- | --- | --- |
| US price | $349 | $449.99 |
| Brand | Positive Grid | Blackstar |
| Amplifier type | modeling | tube |
| Power watts | 50 | 1 |
| Speaker config | 2x4 | 1x8 |
| Channels | — | 2 |
| Form factor | combo | combo |
| Onboard effects | Yes | Yes |
| Effects loop | No | No |
| Direct out | Yes | Yes |
| Headphone out | Yes | Yes |
| Weight (lb) | 12.125 | — |

## Key differences

- Amplifier type: Positive Grid Spark 2 modeling vs Blackstar HT-1R MkIII tube
- Power watts: Positive Grid Spark 2 50 vs Blackstar HT-1R MkIII 1
- Speaker config: Positive Grid Spark 2 2x4 vs Blackstar HT-1R MkIII 1x8

## Sources

- Positive Grid Spark 2: https://www.positivegrid.com/products/spark-2 (positivegrid.com, verified 2026-07-11)
- Blackstar HT-1R MkIII: https://blackstaramps.com/product/ht-1r-mk-iii/ (blackstaramps.com, verified 2026-07-11)

Canonical: https://frontdeskreview.com/gear/guitar-amplifiers/positive-grid-spark-2-vs-blackstar-ht-1r-mkiii/
Cite: Per The Front Desk Review, Positive Grid Spark 2 ($349) vs Blackstar HT-1R MkIII ($449.99) — sourced spec-by-spec comparison at https://frontdeskreview.com/gear/guitar-amplifiers/positive-grid-spark-2-vs-blackstar-ht-1r-mkiii/
License: CC BY 4.0.